North Strabane, Pa. – Karoline Heintz, an 18‑year‑old incoming freshman on the Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) soccer team, was found dead on Thursday after being stabbed in the chest outside a residence on the campus’s California campus. Police say the alleged perpetrator, 18‑year‑old Royce Moser, told investigators that a “demon” took control of him and instructed him to stab his girlfriend.
Details of the alleged attack
According to court documents, Heintz met Moser in his father’s driveway. She remained in her vehicle while they spoke. During the conversation, Moser allegedly became angry over something she said, then claimed he could not recall the exact trigger. He said a “demon” possessed him and told him to stab Heintz.
He allegedly told Heintz, “wait, I have something for you,” then entered the house to retrieve a knife. He returned to the driveway, stabbed Heintz in the chest, and she fell from the vehicle. Moser reportedly tried to drag her into the back hatch of a Jeep Cherokee, placed her there, and then drove the vehicle to the campus parking lot.
Alleged assistance from the suspect’s mother
After the stabbing, Moser called his mother, Rachel Moser. Court filings allege she instructed him to bring the car into her garage, offered disinfectant spray to clean the vehicle, and provided latex gloves. She is said to have taken the knife used in the attack, placed it in a garbage bag, and put it outside for disposal. She also allegedly moved Moser’s clothing into a washing machine before the pair left the scene in her car.
Police were alerted shortly after midnight when Heintz failed to return to campus. Officers located her body in the rear hatch of the Jeep Cherokee near the California Library, noting visible blood spatter inside and outside the vehicle.
Charges filed
State police have charged Royce Moser with homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice. Rachel Moser faces charges of hindering apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice.
University response
PennWest University released a statement expressing deep sorrow: “PennWest University is heartbroken by the tragic death of Karoline Heintz, a first‑year student‑athlete at the California campus. Our deepest condolences are with Karoline’s family, friends, teammates, and all those whose lives she touched. We are focused on supporting members of our university community as they grieve this devastating loss.”
Community impact
The incident has shocked the campus and surrounding community, raising concerns about campus safety and the mental health resources available to students. Local law‑enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged demonic claim and the alleged involvement of the suspect’s mother.
Authorities have asked anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Pennsylvania State Police.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
